How Exercise Can Help Those Who Are Terminally Ill

Mesothelioma, lupus, and hepatitis are all considered to be terminal illnesses. Patients with terminal illnesses live in a world of uncertainty. They may be feeling fine one day, but the next day they may be fighting for their lives. Patients with terminal illnesses may wonder what they can do to make themselves feel better. Exercising is one of the best things for that terminally ill patients can do.

Exercise helps improve a person’s overall health. Researchers have found that terminally ill patients who engage in regular exercise have a better prognosis than patients who do not. Exercise may also reduce the need for certain treatments.

Exercise can help improve body image

Medical treatments can cause a person to gain or lose too much weight. As a result, many terminally ill patients do not like what they see when they look in the mirror. Exercise can help patients lose weight safely and naturally. Resistance exercise can also help those who are underweight put on muscle mass.

Exercise can help a person feel better

The fear and uncertainty that comes along with having a terminal illness can cause a person to experience feelings of anxiety and depression. Exercise can help ward off those negative feelings. During exercise, the body releases hormones called endorphins. Most health experts refer to endorphins as the feel-good hormones because of the calming effect that these hormones have on the body.

Exercise is one of the best things that terminally ill patients can do to look and feel better about themselves as well as improve their overall well-being. Patients who are interested in becoming physically active should consult with their doctors before doing so. Only a doctor can determine how much exercise is safe for a terminally ill patient. Additionally, physicians can also help patients select appropriate activities.